Around 3hrs with the first, but only 5-10 min with the rest of them. I think that's pretty common to push really long with the first and a lot less with later babies. But some women have a long or short pushing stage regardless of what number baby it is. I think it's important to remember that averages are just averages and we're all very different. There's no right or wrong here. With #1 I felt like I was somehow less "good at" birthing b/c some of my friends only pushed 20 min w/ baby #1. But I realize now that's stupid. It's good to *hear* about other mamas experiences but it's not good to compare ourselves by any value judgement, ykwim.

Four hours with my firsts and only so far. That is a long time to push, and I was on the verge on a hospital transfer. I guess I was only "effectively" for 3 hours. It was really hard, but the time flies, and it was still a wonderful birth. Hope the next is easier! Hope yours goes smoothly.

#1 - 2 hours - and he was only 5 lb 12 oz.
#2 - I can't really remember - they kept saying "don't push - doctor's not here" "don't push - doctor's not wearing gloves". I didn't care about that, but I didn't want her to come too fast and tear me. I was trying to not push. Dh says it took 2 contractions.

first was maybe 15 min was when i wanted to same with second but it was longer pushed for about 40 min but that was me just getting mad and pushing him out with out contractions (but that is a long story)